Feds knew about Texas Youth Commission abuse cases

[Cat Herder]

Cross Posted at Feds knew about TYC abuse cases

Justice Department didn't act, citing lack of evidence; critics say politics played a part

08:13 AM CDT on Sunday, August 5, 2007

By STEVE McGONIGLE and DOUG J. SWANSON / The Dallas Morning News
[e-mail]; [e-mail]

For four years, U.S. Justice Department attorneys heard the horror stories: Inmates in Texas juvenile prisons were being beaten and molested by the people who were supposed to protect them.


Texas Ranger Brian Burzynski detailed abuses at the West Texas State School in a 229-page report and worked with the federal attorneys who ultimately dropped the case.

Federal watchdogs discreetly collected information and discussed fine legal points as the assaults piled up. More than 2,000 allegations of staff abusing inmates were confirmed by the Texas Youth Commission from January 2003 to December 2006.

Read more at Read Texas Ranger Bryan Burzynski's report detailing allegations of sexual abuse at the West Texas State School in Pyote[br />
Letters to state officials regarding the U.S. Department of Justice's investigation into allegations of abuse at TYC facilities

Letter from Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee encouraging U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to investigate the TYC (includes reply from Deputy Attorney General Richard A. Hertling)

Letter from U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton to state Sen. Eliot Shapleigh regarding Shapleigh's request for a TYC investigation

More stories, video, photos and more about the Texas Youth Commission scandal

[flashl]

1. It just makes me wonder

What exactly is the 'rule of law'?